Door panel removal

[precision32]

88' 300 SE. Rear door will not unlatch. I've hit the lock mechanism it with penetrating oil from about everywhere I can find that might help. Watched Ken's video on the subject. Tried everything he suggests. Still stuck.

So as far as I know, I'm down to trying to get the panel off with the door closed. I have no illusion this will be pretty.

Anyone ever done this before? Thoughts or ideas?

[optimusprime]

Just remove the door handle inside the car you will see a pair of rods going left to right .See if you can pull one way or the other.

[precision32]

I've got that open and the rod is intact with the pull handle. No amount of pulling on the handle will unlatch the catch.

[JimFreeh]

Your response to the the rod question is to me unclear.

IIRC, there should be two rods you can agitate. One is attached tot he handle itself, the other is attached to the door lock button.

Have you tried to agitate both?

Re the door trim (card, panel) removal:
Can anyone tell us what method of attachment is used on the W126?
On a W124, the door trim is designed to be pulled UP to release, vice as I recall OUT for the W123. If it's like the W124, you may be able to save the trim.

Jim




Jim

[precision32]

Yes, there is a second rod, operating the lock. The lock is "unlocking" via the vacuum system. That was one of the first checks I did.

The manual says the door removes upwards. The trim at the back of the door window has to be removed, above the panel. I figure that is a write off. No was to get the screws out.

Then there are two screws holding the chrome trim plate that surrounds the striker. Can't get to the screws, so again, a write-off.

Manual shows one screw at the bottom of the panel but I can't find it.

After that the panel should come up and off.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[sixto]

Removing W126 rear door panel...

It can't be done cleanly because the pilar trim is held by a screw accessed through the trailing edge of the window.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

[Mxfrank]

It's a long shot, but the vacuum pump for the locks should be under the rear seat. If you can identify the tube that goes to the door in question, you may be able to operate the vacuum pod with compressed air. Might also have to lift the rear carpet to trace the tube from the B pillar.

[sixto]

126 central locking pump is in the trunk to the right of the spare tire but the concept applies.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

[precision32]

Originally Posted by sixto

Removing W126 rear door panel...

It can't be done cleanly because the pilar trim is held by a screw accessed through the trailing edge of the window.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Yep, that's how you do it, if you can get the door open.

I've got two major issues. The two screws and plate at the lock itself is the first. The second is the trim piece at the rear of the glass that sets on top of the door panel, locking it in place.

[precision32]

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

It's a long shot, but the vacuum pump for the locks should be under the rear seat. If you can identify the tube that goes to the door in question, you may be able to operate the vacuum pod with compressed air. Might also have to lift the rear carpet to trace the tube from the B pillar.

I've tested the vacuum module and it is working. That was my first check when I started this. As sixto points out, the pump is in with the spare tire. It tests good and all of the vacuum lock actuators work. That was my second check.

[Ferdman]

precision32, before you rip the door panel apart I recommend that you take your car to an indie or a MB dealer and see if they can "open" the door. Experienced techs may have seen this problem before.